Land at Tyn Y Caeau, Margam, Port Talbot. SA13 2NW
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Ecological Appraisal Report: Land at Tyn Y Caeau, Margam, Port Talbot. SA13 2NW May 2020 Prepared by Wendy J Larcombe on behalf of I&G Ecological Consulting Contact: Glyn Lloyd-Jones [email protected] 07973 685423 Iestyn Evans [email protected] 07733 214829 I&G Ecological Consulting IandGEcology.com Contents Summary 2 1. Introduction 3 2. Methodology 3 2.2 Badgers 2.3 Otters 2.4 Dormouse 2.5 Birds 2.6 Bats 2.7 Reptiles 2.8 Amphibians 2.9 Water Vole 2.10 Marsh Fritillary 2.11 Non-native Invasive Species 3. Results 4 3.1 Desk Study 4 3.2 Site Appraisal 7 4. Ecological Assessments 14 5. Conclusions and Recommendations 17 6. Legislation 20 7. References 26 8. Legal Disclaimer 27 9. Representative Species Lists 28 10. SEWBReC Data Search 29 11. Phase 1 Plan 30 Land at Tyn Y Caeau, Margam 1 I&G Ecological Consulting IandGEcology.com Summary I & G Ecological Consulting were commissioned to undertake an updated ecological appraisal of an area of land approximately 1.4 hectare in size, located at on the outskirts of the village of Margam near Port Talbot. The land within the site boundary consists predominantly of Semi-improved grassland, Mature Native and non-native trees, House and outbuildings and associated garden planting, partially bounded by outgrown hedges/ tree lined boundaries. No signs of European protected species were observed, however a number of non-native invasive species were encountered on the site. Figure 1. Location of site Grid Ref: SS 79284 86418 Land at Tyn Y Caeau, Margam 2 I&G Ecological Consulting IandGEcology.com 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1.1 I & G Ecological Consulting were commissioned to undertake an ecological appraisal of an area of land at Tyn Y Caeau, Margam, Neath Port Talbot. The site is approximately 1.42 hectares in size. The report is to inform an application for Planning Permission for a Commercial Truck Stop development. Documents consulted: Drainage Strategy Report (HCE 6/5/20 and associated Notes) in relation to Mitigation & Enhancement. 1.1.2 This report presents the findings of both a desk study and a site appraisal undertaken in December 2019. The report outlines the ecological constraints/opportunities associated with the site. 1.1.3 The survey was conducted during sub-optimal conditions as vegetation survey can be limited outside of the main flowering season for grassland and hedgerow habitats. 2. METHODOLOGY 2.1.1 Both a desk-based survey and an ecological site survey were undertaken to establish the ecological conditions on site. 2.1.2 A field botanical survey was carried out using survey methods that were based on standard Phase 1 Habitat survey techniques. The CIEEM Guidelines for Preliminary Ecological Appraisal were also followed and adhered to. 2.2 Badgers 2.2.1 The surrounding habitat was assessed for its suitability for badgers which includes the presence of setts, well-worn paths and runs, snagged hair, latrines, footprints and foraging. Any such incidental signs of badgers were recorded if they were encountered. 2.3 Otters 2.3.1 The surrounding habitat was assessed for its suitability to support otters. The area was searched for otter field signs such as spraint marking, slides, hovers or footprints. 2.4 Dormouse 2.4.1 The habitats on site, particularly the hedgerows were assessed for their suitability to support dormice. 2.5 Birds 2.5.1 The habitats on site were assessed for their suitability for breeding birds, including trees, scrub and grassland. Land at Tyn Y Caeau, Margam 3 I&G Ecological Consulting IandGEcology.com 2.6 Bats 2.6.1 Habitats on site were assessed for their suitability to support bats, particularly any trees on site that could have bat roosting potential or opportunities. 2.7 Reptiles 2.7.1 The habitats on site were assessed for their suitability to support reptiles. 2.8 Amphibians 2.8.1 The habitats on site were assessed for their suitability to support amphibians. 2.9 Water Voles 2.9.1 The surrounding habitats on site were assessed for their suitability to support water voles. 2.10 Marsh Fritillary The surrounding habitats on site were assessed for their suitability to support marsh fritillary butterfly and their food plant Devil’s bit scabious Succisa pratensis. 2.11 Non-Native Invasive Species 2.11.1 Any pernicious weeds under Schedule 9, Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) were also noted and mapped during the site survey. These species include Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). 3. RESULTS 3.1 Desk study 3.1.1 A data search was requested from the South East Wales Biological Records Centre for the planning application site and surrounding area of up to 2km. The species information was returned to I&G Ecology on 11th May 2020. The closest record to the site is for a number of birds including Dunnock (Prunella modularis), Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) and Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) all at 47m. There are large number of records for invertebrates, mostly lepidoptera but also a number of Hymenoptera. A number of protected and notable species records were returned within 1km of the site centre. The records will not be listed here, but the most significant, those which are considered to potentially be affected by development of the site, will be briefly summarised. However, the full data are available upon request to those nominated on the request form, as some data may be classified as sensitive. 3.1.2 The significant findings from the data search are summarised below: - 3.1.3 Birds The data search returned almost 500 entries of birds which are categorised as priority species within 2km of the site. Several species were recorded at 47m from site including Land at Tyn Y Caeau, Margam 4 I&G Ecological Consulting IandGEcology.com including Dunnock (Prunella modularis), Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) and Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus). Barn Owl (Tyto alba) at 95m, House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) at 230m and Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) also at 230m. 3.1.4 Mammals The data search returned over 100 records of mammals within 2km of the site, most significantly these included:- 44 entries for Bats (Pipistrelle species, Myotis species, Lesser and Greater Horseshoe, Brown long-eared, Natterer’s, Brandt’s, Whiskered) closest record being 77m from the site Pipistrellus pipistrellus. 2 entries for Polecat (Mustela putorius), closest being recorded at 180m from site. 1 entry for Otter (Lutra lutra), being recorded at 1212m from the site. 1 entry for Weasel (Mustela nivalis) at 878m 11 records of Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), closest recorded 641m from the site. 7 entries for Badger (Meles meles), the closest being 230m from site. 5 entries for Hare (Lepus europaeus), the closest being at 1749m from site. 3.1.5 Invertebrates The data search returned c.160 records of invertebrates, which were mostly for moths, butterflies and bees. The closest records include Oak Hook-tip (Watsonalla binaria), Dusky Thorn (Ennomos fuscantaria) and Blood-vein (Timandra comae) all at 172m from site. 3.1.6 Plants The data search returned very few records of plants within 2km of the site. There are 14 records for Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), the closest being at 230m from the site. Other records include Fen Orchid (Liparis loeselii) at 1707m and Welsh Mudwort (Limosella australis) at 1931m (1942 record). 3.1.7 Reptiles The data search returned a 65 records of reptiles within 2km of the site. 22 entries for Slow-worm, closest being recorded at 491m from site. 30 entries for Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara), closest being 566m. 11 entries for Grass Snake (Natrix Helvetica) at 625m. 2 entries for Adder (Viper berus), closest being at 1349m from site (1974 record) and 1914m (2012). 3.1.8 Amphibians The data search returned 16 records of amphibians within 2km of the site. Land at Tyn Y Caeau, Margam 5 I&G Ecological Consulting IandGEcology.com 4 Common Frog (Rana temporaria) 1349m from site 5 Common Toad (Bufo bufo) closest being recorded at 1226m from the site. 3 entries for Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus), closest recorded at 1193m. Palmate Newt (Lissotriton helveticus) at 1914m from the site. 3.1.9 INNS A wide range of INNS species were returned including plants, crustacea, birds, insects, molluscs and flowering plants. Of those, the following are more likely to be encountered on site; 7 entries for Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), closest is at 47m from site centre 3 entries for Crocosmia pottsii x aur. 230m being closest 5 Entries for Grey Squirrell (Sciurus carolinensis), 944m being closest 3.1.10 Statutory Designated Sites The data search showed that there were a number of Nationally or Internationally important sites (e.g. SSSIs, SACs or SPAs) which lie within the search buffer. SSSI : Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir (715m) – Described in Citation as: “The largest sheet of fresh water in the county. On the site of Margam moors which, before being reclaimed for the Abbey Steel Works, was a notable site for wildfowl. The reservoir attracts large numbers of wintering waterfowl and passage migrants. Notable species including Great Crested and Little Grebes, Mallard, Gadwall and Coot now breed” SSSI: Margam Moors (1370m) – Described in Citation as: “The last remaining example of the once extensive coastal levels in West Glamorgan. Bounded to the seaward by dunes and to landward by high ground, the meadows provide an agriculturally-managed freshwater habitat which hosts many species of plant on the edge of their geographical range, and nationally important invertebrates. Mesotrophic marsh, fen meadow and ditch communities support Flowering-rush Butomus umbellatus, Frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, Arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia, Cyperus Sedge Carex pseudocyperus and Brown Sedge C.